The China Conundrum: Part Deux

The China Conundrum: Part Deux

April 30th, 2009 @ 2:44 pm by Mrs. Gloss

After I posted about my China Conundrum the other day I still had no idea what I was going to do (even after all my lovely reader comments), so bring on Part Two!

As I mentioned, I will not be inheriting china from my mother or grandmother – this is because they don’t have any. Therefore, it goes without saying that we never used it at holidays or special occasions growing up, which makes it difficult for me to see myself using it. My grandmother has great old pewter plates and my mother has some fabulous whiteware that we use for ‘special occasions’. My mother offered to give me the whiteware, but she doesn’t have a complete set, she just has the plates (which I LOVE). The line (and manufacturer) is discontinued, and I would have to scour eBay to find the rest of the pieces, which I foresee getting expensive… fast. But, this led me to thinking that maybe my china doesn’t have to be FINE china… maybe I could just get some great white china.

The Benefits:

It’s less ‘formal’. I don’t ever foresee us hosting an event where a classic white plate would be unacceptable.
White presents food SO nicely.
It’s less expensive than fine china, therefore I feel less guilty about putting it on our registry (and won’t be furious when Mr. Gloss inevitably breaks something).
It can be easily mixed and matched with other bright pieces to create different looks.
It feels more ‘us’, and I don’t think our friends would feel uncomfortable eating off it, like they might with some of the patterns I posted the other day.
I can put it in the dishwasher… and the microwave.

I love these modern, square plates, but I think I may not love them 25 years from now.

So, I’m leaning toward a more traditional plate. I haven’t seen any of these in person yet, but so far, here are my online favorites.

Mikasa - Antique White

Villeroy & Boch - Country Heritage

Is anyone else opting for great whiteware rather than fine china?

Images from macys.com

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42 Responses to “The China Conundrum: Part Deux”

Bee

Miss Beagle (message) 1,051 posts, Bumble bee

I registered for plain white dishes for everyday use and some everyday china (Chirp!) … it is both microwaveable & dishwasher safe- hooray!
I love white dinnerware because it’s so easy to infuse color and change up the look.

4/30/09 @ 2:48 pm (reply)

Member

kayfi (message) 81 posts, Worker bee

We registered for fine china, but it is a very simple white pattern with a platinum band around the plates.

Aside from the price ( 89 per place setting) what sold me was the fact that this particular line is dishwasher and microwave safe. Also, our registry helper took a mug and banged it on the desk several times and dropped a plate about 5 feet on to the tile floor–no breakage!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&wrn=-1488801367&SKU=103681

4/30/09 @ 2:49 pm (reply)

Member

professorbee (message) 290 posts, Helper bee

Wow - I wonder how they made the platinum band microwave safe? That is a really impressive feature.

4/30/09 @ 2:53 pm (reply)

Guest

Ooo, great alternative! I love the Country Heritage set.

I inherited my grandmother’s china, but can’t imagine when I’ll actually be using it. I can’t see myself doing a lot of casual entertaining, let alone formal dinners. My mom’s good dishes, though, are a much more casual set of whiteware, which we’ve used for every holiday and fancy dinner my mom ever cooked.

I love the sentimentality of my grandmother’s set (as I’m named for her), but for practicality and personal taste, I’d choose my mom’s plain white set any day. There’s no pattern to clash with your dining room or tablecloth or silverware, or go out of style, or to change your mind about decades down the road. They’re classic and modern at the same time.

4/30/09 @ 2:53 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Gloss (message) 1,053 posts, Bumble bee

Our everyday China is Fiestaware - I love all the bright colors and the timelessness of it!
@kayfi: Wow! Thats crazy!!

4/30/09 @ 2:55 pm (reply)

Member

Miss Gem (message) 22 posts, Newbee

I’m doing the same! Plain and simple white sets! My FMIL told me (after we registered) that she wishes she had known how much use the whiteware would get over her fine china! She’s changed kitchen colors though the years and on any holiday, it always works! Good choice!

4/30/09 @ 2:56 pm (reply)

Member

lc2be (message) 71 posts, Worker bee

We registered for great whiteware instead of fine china as well! We chose the White Pearl line from Crate & Barrel. They’re so classic, I know we’ll love them for years to come!

4/30/09 @ 2:58 pm (reply)

Member

lobstergirl (message) 223 posts, Helper bee

Oh we definitely will not be doing fine china. We are really not fine china people. Growing up, at Christmas and stuff, my mom always served on hand made Mexican pottery. It is beautiful in a rustic way, but definitely not fine china. I inherited the set from her. Though it is missing a couple pieces, I love it and use it if we entertain. But it is actually pretty casual. We will probably opt for whiteware as well for our registry. it is so versatile, and I really think that people don’t really expect fine china anymore.

4/30/09 @ 2:59 pm (reply)

Member

TheMapChick (message) 119 posts, Blushing bee

I actually registered for the white square plates pictured above. I have been dying for square plates for years and will finally get to have them! I wasn’t a fan of the square bowls however so my set will actually be a mix pieces from Pottery Barn’s Great White, Great White Coupe and Great White Square collections. I’m strangely excited about them! Plus down the road when I decide square isn’t my thing anymore I can just update the plates with round whites.

4/30/09 @ 3:08 pm (reply)

10.

Guest

Ally

We registered for the Emma Dinnerware collection from Pottery Barn, and I absolutely love it! We inherited some china, but probably won’t ever use it because it’s so old and fragile, so we splurged a little for this set, and I’m glad we did.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p1485/index.cfm?pkey=ff043

I like the idea of having fine china, but it’s not something I’d want to go out and buy or even register for…

4/30/09 @ 3:10 pm (reply)

11.

Member

kim0309 (message) 115 posts, Blushing bee

We already had nice white dinnerware. We registered for the same ones we already had to have backups for ours if they start breaking or chipping. I figure I can spice up a nice dinner with linens and accessories if we’re entertaining.

4/30/09 @ 3:12 pm (reply)

12.

Member

FlipFlopBride (message) 1,305 posts, Bumble bee

My grandmother doesn’t even use her china - our family got so big that she would rather use paper plates on holidays than do the dishes!

Therefore…I will not be registering for fine china. We actually bought a ton of Corelle dinnerware…mostly in plain white, but about a third of it is in the Memphis pattern, which has blocks of primary colors. Some might think it’s too simple, but we love it and use the colors when guest come over since it matches our kitchen decor.

Plus, anything other than Corelle is too heavy for me to lift more than 2 plates at a time…I have shoulder problems and can’t put stuff in the cabinets easily…I don’t want to drop anything that costs a lot!

4/30/09 @ 3:15 pm (reply)

13.

Bee

Miss Gloss (message) 1,053 posts, Bumble bee

@TheMapChick: I like your thought process!!
@Ally: I love the Emma, I think Mr. Gloss will have my head for registering at another store though!!

4/30/09 @ 3:15 pm (reply)

14.

Guest

srh

I have a discontinued line of that mikasa set and I really like it. My aunt scored a set of 8 still in the box from a garage sale so I’ve been using it since I’ve moved out on my own. It’s easy to get replacements for most of the pieces on replacements ltd or ebay (even though the one I have was only produced for a yr or two). You might also consider the mikasa Italian Countryside, it’s a litle thinner and still lovely (and plain white). It also sometimes goes on amazing sales (it was on sale for $60 for an 8 piece setting at dillards a few months ago): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AE8NLE Bonus, it has square brunch plates that match the rest of the set.

4/30/09 @ 3:15 pm (reply)

15.

Member

shaver2bee (message) 67 posts, Worker bee

We registered for plain white dinnerware. I’m so happy with that decision.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/Family.aspx?c=14174&f=1667
Just as our guests began making purchases, it went on sale so we got the 8 place settings we registered for and now I’m tempted to get another 4.

4/30/09 @ 3:15 pm (reply)

16.

Bee

Miss Deviled Egg (message) 893 posts, Busy bee

We registered for a basic white set from macy’s. It’s really nothing fancy and it will probably break easier than most, but as a starter set, it will do just fine for now. When we get settled in our real home (5 or so years down the road) I’ll probably want the real, fine china.

I also wanted white because of some of the reasons you listed. I really like how food looks on white dishes and I love how you can change the looks of the table with different napkins, placemats or table runners.

4/30/09 @ 3:16 pm (reply)

17.

Member

jgsg (message) 41 posts, Newbee

We’ll be inheriting some flowerly china, so we registered for sleek white porcelain dishes to use for everyday, the Pillivuyt Coupe series from Williams-Sonoma. However, it was on backorder the whole month before my shower so no one was able to get it for us! So I don’t know if we’ll end up with it it after all… it’s too expensive for us to purchase a whole set on our own.

4/30/09 @ 3:16 pm (reply)

18.

Hostess

Mrs. DG (message) 4,227 posts, Honey bee

We got Noritaki colorwave blue. That’s as fancy as we’ll be getting!

http://www.dinnerwarecenter.com/noritake-colorwave-blue-16-pc-set-w-quad-plates.html

4/30/09 @ 3:18 pm (reply)

19.

Bee

Miss Gloss (message) 1,053 posts, Bumble bee

@FlipFlopBride: I like the way your grandma thinks!!
@srh: Square bunch plates!? Love it!!

4/30/09 @ 3:22 pm (reply)

20.

Guest

Kodiak

Amen to this post! Dishes that can be dressed up or down are the most practical option. I loved the Mikasa set that you posted, but the mister isn’t into the French country sort of look (I am!). We decided on the Sophie Conran Portmeiron set and we are both giddy with love for it. Can’t wait until all those pretty dishes are ours!

4/30/09 @ 3:25 pm (reply)

21.

Bee

Miss Joey (message) 829 posts, Busy bee

That’s what we’re doing. Nice simple round everyday china frome Crate and Barrel and dressing it up with a few square and colored plates. That way we don’t have the basics but can always change the accent pieces.

4/30/09 @ 3:29 pm (reply)

22.

Member

aliangel64 (message) 79 posts, Worker bee

You should check with Replacements, Ltd. They are like the Smithsonian of china, crystal, silver, etc., and they can help you find missing pieces of sets.
http://www.replacements.com/?s1=kx&16744&

4/30/09 @ 3:33 pm (reply)

23.

Bee

Mrs. Plumeria (message) 250 posts, Helper bee

Yes! I commented on your other post but this is EXACTLY what we did. Ours is Denby’s “White Trace” (google and then zoom in to see the loveliness) with Target white pieces to round out our collection. We have pretty much the whole White Trace collection and love them all… and really really enjoy mixing and matching with our other whiteware.

4/30/09 @ 4:00 pm (reply)

24.

Bee

Miss Perfume (message) 1,636 posts, Bumble bee

Though we didn’t register for anything because we’re older and have established our homes. But I will say the things that your idea of the white everyday settings is a great idea. We put ours to very good use. Mr. P had some hand painted porcelain made in Beijing from years ago. But they’re a pain to clean and we only use them on rare occasions.

Any of the whiteware you show above could be used formally or casually. All very nice!! (Esp. the V&B!)

4/30/09 @ 4:14 pm (reply)

25.

Bee

Miss Perfume (message) 1,636 posts, Bumble bee

um, i just re-read what i wrote and it didn’t make any sense–multi-tasking is bad. the point was: your idea of whiteware is a great one!

4/30/09 @ 4:15 pm (reply)

26.

Bee

Miss Gloss (message) 1,053 posts, Bumble bee

@Miss Perfume: Don’t worry - I’m proficient in reading multi-tasking totally knew what you were saying-

4/30/09 @ 4:17 pm (reply)

27.

Guest

SarahW

We registered for Gordon Ramsey White by Royal Doulton as our everyday china, and got salad plates and chargers in a fancier pattern to mix in when we have a more formal meal. the GR china is great, micro/dishwasher safe, very simple and strong!

4/30/09 @ 4:20 pm (reply)

28.

Bee

Miss Gloss (message) 1,053 posts, Bumble bee

@all: I love all your patterns too!! Thanks for sharing - although now my decision is even harder! lol

4/30/09 @ 4:23 pm (reply)

29.

Member

lcarmeson (message) 2 posts, Wannabee

We registered for Lenox Aspen Ridge. It is a beautiful white set, not too expensive, and it is microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer safe. Perfect for us. We wanted something that would dress up but could be dressed down too. Check it out!

4/30/09 @ 4:29 pm (reply)

30.

Member

bridecat (message) 90 posts, Worker bee

One more to overwhelm you!
Bernardaud “Louvre” available at Macy’s. It’s microwave/dishwasher/oven safe. Have had it for 6 months now and I love it!
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=14715&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

4/30/09 @ 4:36 pm (reply)

31.

Guest

Katie

@professorbee: The platinum band is microwave safe because it isn’t a solid band. It is actually a bunch of little dots that look like a band. (I used to work in the bridal registry at Macy’s).

I think whiteware is great because you can dress it up in so many ways by getting different color accent/dessert plates. And you can never have too many accent plates! They are the perfect size for salads/dessert/appetizers.

4/30/09 @ 5:22 pm (reply)

32.

Bee

Miss Bruschetta (message) 5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

The second one is really cute — elegant and classic — and this sounds like a great way to have nice china you’re not afraid to use!

We have some everyday china from Bed Bath and Beyond on our registry — Miss Gloss, you’d approve of the color (yellow!) — which we’ll use most of the time…but we’re still registering for china, since once we get a house, we hope to entertain family and friends and host parties and holidays!

4/30/09 @ 5:42 pm (reply)

33.

Member

NixLapi (message) 406 posts, Helper bee

Great idea! White is so versatile - and you can always buy some more budget friendly pieces and table linens as trends & your tate changes!

Love the second set - very pretty!

4/30/09 @ 7:10 pm (reply)

34.

Bee

Miss French Bulldog (message) 6,063 posts, Bee Keeper

Both those options are really lovely! We registered for plain white plates (from C&B) for our everyday. We love to have dinner parties and I’m all about themes so I wanted our everyday to mix easily with different decor
@kayfi: That makes me feel even better about the Lennox we registered for

4/30/09 @ 7:47 pm (reply)

35.

Guest

Christine

I went with a cream color set from crate & barrel called classic century dishware. They are more of an oval shape with some funky shaped serving pieces, but are completely classic… and dishwasher safe!! Most people I know with fine china still have it sitting in a box, in their basement - I thought it was such a waste of money. These plates can be used for everyday or dressed up for something more formal. Plus, they were reasonably priced and I received all 12 place settings that we registered for - which saved us from having to complete the set after the wedding was over.

4/30/09 @ 8:13 pm (reply)

36.

Member

alshv2 (message) 119 posts, Blushing bee

We registered for square whiteware for everyday use and Lenox china for special occasions. I love how versatile the white dishes are! They will go with any color scheme, and can be really simple or much fancier, depending on how you use them.

4/30/09 @ 8:55 pm (reply)

37.

Member

Aylee Bits (message) 34 posts, Newbee

I love white dinnerware! We’re planning on registering for simple white stoneware.

5/1/09 @ 12:22 am (reply)

38.

Guest

Hannah

I am in love with Lenox’s Butler’s Pantry earthenware. It is gorgeous in person, and pretty reasonable.

5/1/09 @ 2:09 am (reply)

39.

Member

mvp_bride (message) 118 posts, Blushing bee

We registered for the Mikasa French countryside, which is very similar to the Antique white. It just seemed more practical and versatile. My Grandma ended up giving me her wedding china at my bridal shower (a HUGE and good surprise!), but the whiteware will be used most of the time. Go for it!

5/1/09 @ 11:00 am (reply)

40.

Guest

sweetnepenthe

We registered for two sets:
- white/oversized/everyday (Vera Wang St. Tropez)
- blue/”dressy” (Waterford Seahorse Ocean)

For great quality and great price on white dinnerware you might want to check:

- Wedgwood eternity ($80/setting)
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=219019&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

- Wedgwood White ($85/setting)
http://www.michaelcfina.com/ic/mcfina/sections/tableware_entertaining/by_brand/wedgwood/:product/sku/CHWEDGWEWH.html

- Wedgwood Nantucket Basket (patterned) ($85/setting - current promo)
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=20183&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

5/1/09 @ 12:04 pm (reply)

41.

Member

kireinapaper (message) 9 posts, Newbee

I actually went with beautiful creamware, from Crate & Barrel’s Classic Century collection by Eva Zeisel. We use the dishes and plates every day because they are so simple, and we also have some of the platters and the sauce boat for more formal elegance. I just did an inspiration board that’s based on how I pulled our everyday/formal dinnerware together with just one set of dishes: http://www.nicoleossola.com/kireinest/2009/5/2/dining-registry-no-1-mid-century-midas.html

Of the white collections you are considering, I think I like the “Country Heritage” the very best!

5/1/09 @ 4:55 pm (reply)

42.

Bee

miss mouse (message) 3,311 posts, Sugar bee

I’m not registering for housewares, but if I were, I’d go with everyday dishes over fine china. So much more practical! And your choices are very cute.

5/2/09 @ 12:15 am (reply)